Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Where: Boston, Massachusetts
When: August 2, 2009
With: Dave

This post will be brief because this museum didn't allow cameras, but I must write something because I was in love with this place. While visiting my cousin for her 30th birthday, Dave and I tacked a visit to this museum onto our trip, and wow, was it amazing.

The museum was founded (not surprisingly) by Isabella Stewart Gardner, a wealthy philanthropist at the turn of the 20th century. After receiving a large inheritance from her father, she set about growing her collection of artwork, becoming the first American to own a Botticelli. In 1903, she opened a museum inspired by Venetian palaces to showcase her prized treasures. While the way the art is displayed has changed since she originally laid the museum out, the impression it leaves is just as astounding.

I've stolen some photos from Wikipedia to display the interior. It is like being in someone's massive, beautiful attic with all their treasures on display. The center of the building is completely open in a massive, airy courtyard with light coming through the skylights in the roof. Palm trees and tropical plants accent the collection of paintings, furniture and tapestries. On each floor, there are several rooms containing more collectibles and each one representing a different focus or time period. It was a stunning collection.

Ugh, I wish I could have photographed it because I thoroughly enjoyed this museum so much more than I expected. It was so unique and beautiful and really showcased the art of Isabella Stewart Gardner. This is easily one of my favorite museums I've ever been to.